2024 Volkswagen Atlas
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2024 models.

- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV 4motion 2.0l, 4dr SUV 4motion 3.6l, Sport Cross 4dr SUV 4motion 2.0l, Sport Cross 4dr SUV 4motion 3.6l
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
- Horsepower
- 269 hp
- Transmission
- automatic
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5–7
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 23 combined · 20 city / 27 hwy
- Length
- 195.7–200.8 in
- Curb weight
- 4,442–4,594 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 8 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- Seats up to 73 rows of seating.
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 23 MPG combined, 19% below the 2024 small SUV average of 28.3 MPG.
- Many owner complaints277 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 86 for similar models — most often about the electrical system.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 21 similar 2024 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas is a small SUV offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl turbo engine and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 201 inches long and 78 inches wide on a 117-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,442 lb (4dr SUV 4motion 2.0l).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 23 MPG combined (20 city / 27 highway), 19% worse than the 2024 small SUV average of 28.3 MPG, for an estimated $2,900 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 8 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 277 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2024
- Engine dropped: 3.6L 6-cyl
Compared with 2023; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2023 Atlas →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Chattanooga, Tennessee
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2024 Atlas configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV 4motion 2.0l | 200.8 in | 78 in | 68.9 in | 117.3 in | 67.7 / 67.7 in | 4,442 lb | 56/44 |
| 4dr SUV 4motion 3.6l | 200.8 in | 78 in | 68.9 in | 117.3 in | 67.7 / 67.7 in | 4,594 lb | 57/43 |
| Sport Cross 4dr SUV 4motion 2.0l | 195.7 in | 78.3 in | 67.7 in | 117.3 in | 67.3 / 67.7 in | 4,442 lb | 57/43 |
| Sport Cross 4dr SUV 4motion 3.6l | 195.7 in | 78.3 in | 67.7 in | 117.3 in | 67.3 / 67.7 in | 4,594 lb | 57/43 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlas | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 27 / 23 | -19% | $2,900 | 393 |
| Atlas Cross Sport | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 27 / 23 | -19% | $2,900 | 393 |
| Atlas SE 4motion | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 22 | -12% | $3,050 | 407 |
| Atlas Cross Sport 4motion | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 22 | -12% | $3,050 | 407 |
| Atlas SEL 4motion | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 25 / 21 | -16% | $3,200 | 422 |
| Atlas 4motion Peak Edition | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 24 / 20 | -20% | $3,350 | 435 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2024 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Volkswagen Atlas SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 13.6% |
| 2024 Volkswagen Atlas SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 15.9% |


Similar 2024 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Volkswagen Atlas (this car) | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 8 |
| 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser | 23 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2024 Ford Explorer | 24 MPG | ★★★★★ | 10 |
| 2024 Toyota Highlander | 36 MPG | ★★★★★ | 7 |
| 2024 Kia Telluride | 22 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2024 Ford Expedition | 19 MPG | ★★★★★ | 7 |
| 2024 Nissan Pathfinder | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
Recalls (8)
Back Over Prevention › Software · Jul 22, 2026
NHTSA campaign 26V473000 · 57,851 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling 2024-2026 Atlas Cross Sport and Atlas vehicles. The vehicles may experience a low-voltage electrical event that affects display screen functions. As a result, the rearview camera image may fail to display as intended.
- Risk
- A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driverâs view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 4, 2026. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91TV. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 28, 2026.
Suspension · Jun 30, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V434000 · 546 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Atlas, Atlas Cross Sport and 2023-2024 ID.4 vehicles. Certain bolts on the chassis, brake system and/or suspension (such as bolts for certain cross member, engine mount, control arm, subframe, rear brake carrier, etc.) of affected vehicles may not have been correctly tightened during the manufacturing process.
- Risk
- A loss of vehicle control increases the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the bolts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 25, 2025. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 42HX.
Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera · May 21, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V334000 · 171,381 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Atlas Cross Sport and Atlas vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera image to become distorted when the vehicle is in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Risk
- A distorted rearview camera image can reduce the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the camera control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 5, 2025. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91SB.
Engine · Feb 17, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V100000 · 177,493 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The engine cover may have been improperly installed after vehicle service, allowing it to come loose and contact hot engine surfaces.
- Risk
- A loose engine cover that contacts hot surfaces in the engine compartment can melt, increasing the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Dealers will remove the engine cover, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 7, 2025. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 10X5.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Master Cylinder · Sep 27, 2024
NHTSA campaign 24V723000 · 1,591 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2024 Atlas and 2024 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The brake master cylinder may have been assembled with an incorrect secondary piston spring retainer, which can block the brake fluid port.
- Risk
- An obstructed brake fluid port can cause a loss of brake function, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 21, 2024. Additionally, vehicles that were added to the population on November 21, 2024, their letters were mailed on December 2, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen Customer Relations at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 471F.
Back Over Prevention › Software · Jun 27, 2024
NHTSA campaign 24V480000 · 84,432 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (VW) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Golf R, Golf GTI, 2024 Atlas, and 2024 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The rearview camera image may be delayed or deactivated after shifting into reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Risk
- A rearview camera with a delayed or deactivated image reduces the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury or crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the infotainment system software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 15, 2024, and July 16, 2024. Owners may contact VW customer service at 1-800-893-5298. VW's number for this recall is 91US.
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front Passenger · Jun 20, 2024
NHTSA campaign 24V464000 · 271,330 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Atlas and 2020-2024 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The passenger occupant detection system (PODS) may experience a fault in the wiring and deactivate the front passenger air bag when the seat is occupied.
- Risk
- A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the PODS sensor mat and wiring harness, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 30, 2024. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on October 18, 2024, December 10, 2024, December 20, 2024, and January 17, 2025. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69PZ.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Hard Parts Internal/Mechanical · Aug 23, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V593000 · 2,018 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2024 Atlas PA2 and Atlas Cross Sport PA vehicles. The engine connecting rod bearings may become damaged, which can result in engine failure.
- Risk
- A damaged engine can result in engine failure and a stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, engine failure may cause an oil leak which can increase the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the engine, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 28, 2023. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 13i6.
Not every 2024 Volkswagen Atlas is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2024 Volkswagen Atlas buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 8 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 79 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Engine — 46 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Service Brakes — 44 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 15,327 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Atlas years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Atlas | 25 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 Atlas | 23 | 200.8 in | Not rated | 2 | 12 |
| 2025 Atlas | 23 | 200.8 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 76 |
| 2023 Atlas | 23 | 200.8 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 159 |
| 2022 Atlas | 23 | 200.8 in | ★★★★★ | 7 | 260 |
| 2021 Atlas | 22 | 200.8 in | ★★★★★ | 17 | 647 |
| 2020 Atlas | 22 | 198.4 in | ★★★★★ | 11 | 135 |
| 2019 Atlas | 22 | 198.4 in | ★★★★★ | 12 | 483 |
| 2018 Atlas | 24 | 198.4 in | ★★★★★ | 17 | 466 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Volkswagen. How we calculate this →